Gene expression profiling in multiple myeloma patients identifies genes that distinguish between patients with subsequent early death or long survival after treatment. Poor survival is linked to over-expression of genes such as ASPM, OPN3 and CKS1B which are located in chromosome 1q. Given the frequent amplification of 1q in many cancers, it is possible that these genes can be used as powerful prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for multiple myeloma and other cancer.